Toy library

A toy library lends or hires out toys, puzzles, and games, functioning either as a rental shop or a form of family resource program. Toy libraries offer play sessions for families and a wide range of toys appropriate for children at different stages in their development. Toy libraries provide children with new toys every week or two, saving parents money and keeping children from boredom. They are popular in the French-speaking world, where they are called "ludothèques".

Access to ludotheques can be a primary mechanism for children to access the human right of science and culture in their communities by allowing participation in the social and cultural life of the community through age appropriate toys, games, and other collection items in a manner that facilitates social interactions and cohesion through play in four main areas: exercise, symbolism, assembly, and rules based play.^[1] Toys and games that are classified into each of these collection areas can teach children skills that can benefit their development in different areas.^[2] Similar to a library or cultural center animation for adults or access to a library heritage collection, toy libraries present children with the opportunity to interact with the tangible and movable cultural heritage of the community through the selection of toys and games curated by the toy librarian. The United Nations has long acknowledged the importance of play and recreation in the life of every child.^[3]